THE RIVER'S TEARS

[Commonwealth of the Petra 361]

THE RIVER’S TEARS

 

On the 6th of Horen's Calling, in the year Our Lord 1938

 

 

TO THE CITIZENS OF THE PETRA,

 

It is with great regret that we must inform our people of a tragedy which has befallen us, accompanying one of God’s greatest miracles.

 

Princess Winifred, the Archduchess of Vallagne, gave birth to a healthy pair of twins earlier this Saint’s Evening. Her daughter, Catherine Arabella, was first welcomed into the world first followed by her son, Marcus Antonius, within the royal chambers of the Citadel of Vallagne.

 

However, a tragedy has likewise occurred. A great fever took hold of Princess Winifred shortly thereafter, which her doctors have diagnosed to be the result of the many complications associated with the birth.

 

Her Royal Majesty shall thus be calling for a day of prayer to be held at St. Edmond’s Abbey, that the nation might pray for her daughter's recovery.
 

 

O SAINTE RÈGNE PETRÉRE

 

HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS, Adrian of Pompourelia, Archduke of Vallagne, Prince of the Petra

 

HER ROYAL MAJESTY, Renilde I, by the Grace of GOD, Queen of the Petra, Marquise de Val d’Estenou, Countess of Temesch and Moere, Baroness of Garmont, Valfleur, Vallagne-en-Petra, and of the Phoenixspire, Protector of the Meadows, Defender of Liberty

Edited August 16, 2023 by Commonwealth of the Petra

[Chorale__ 2147]

The Archduchess of Vallagne Winifred's twin-brother, the Prince of Valfleur, Paul Alexander of the Petra, looked upon the missive and weeped.

 

If anyone were to view the Prince sitting on the balcony atop the Chateau d'Estenou, they would wander if he were weeping for the tragedy that seemed to befall his sister -- quite literally, his other half, or weeping in joy of the birth of his niece and nephew.

 

Either way, Paul cried. . . so many losses at such a young age; he felt lost, abandoned.

 

Spoiler

((forever grateful for ur contributions andytech, i hope u have fun with your phD program :D))

 

[marikandaperc 1817]

The fairsighted Avalon was innocently playing Haeseni chess when the news struck. She skipped a breath, her brows furrowing into a single one; doubt. Why were so many dying? First in Aaun, now in Petra. Was that an omen? Nevertheless, the pious woman signed the Lorraine and spared a prayer for the Crown Princess, then went on to win her game of chess.

[Phoebe202 1057]

The newborn twins' Governess paced around the nursery as she tended to her newfound duties -- pausing every so often to pray for the survival of their mother. An air of unease was ever-present, despite attempts to lift the spirits of the children and their attendants with the gently tunes of a music-box.

[tilly 5115]

"My poor girl," the Queen of advanced age sat at Winifred's bedside day and night, holding her hand, and murmuring fervent prayers in an attempt to revive her heir.

[Reckless Banzai Screamer 15456]

Antonius Cardinal Artorus mourned in his temple cell for months at the lost of his cousin, the spirit of doomerness akin to his father Ioannes following him like a dark cloud.

[AndrewTech 3329]

The fight to pull through had been long and grueling, but Winifred had always been a fighter. Even during the worst of times, she had never given up. It was the story of her entire life, a tale of overcoming adversity against all odds.

 

As the fever took her and she faded in and out of consciousness, she remembered just how lonely her childhood had been in Valfleur. Her vast studies revolved around history, economics, theology, religion, the best her parents could have possibly procured for her. And when she came back, she found herself armed not with the sword, but with the pen. This was to be her closest ally.

 

Even as a young woman, she was instrumental in engineering the Petran economic revival. There was so much to be proud of, so much for her people to look forward to...

 

...But she knew that God was about to call her home. Though best doctors were at her bedside, she knew deep down that it would not her destiny to rule as Sovereign. Not that she had ever truly wanted to, her sense of humility being what it was. Ruling was a duty, and she was but a servant.

 

As she grew weaker and everything faded away, her thoughts were of her infant son and daughter. Especially of Catherine, her eldest child whom she loved from the moment she had laid eyes upon her. She would be the hope of her people. And she thought of her husband, Adrian, who had so faithfully remained by her side. She thought of her mother, a proud Queen, redeemed in the sight of God and vindicated where once she had been mocked.

 

Then she thought of her cousin Robert and how he idolized her. She wondered if he would go back to exploring the world when she passed? Sometimes, she wondered if he lingered only due to his odd fascination with her. She hoped he would have a good life regardless.

 

She thought of Caraneth, the Crown Princess of Numendil. She didn't have many friends, but Caraneth was one she held most dear. Ruling was to be her destiny, and Winnie hoped that she would do so well.

 

And then she thought of her other cousin Antonius, the Cardinal who had showed her the Owynist path. She had never completed it. Winifred hoped that God would forgive her for that.

 

In her last moments, she could have sworn that she felt the warmth of a crackling flame... And she smiled, knowing then that she would soon see Owyn after all.

 

Spoiler

Though I only played Winifred for a few months, I really enjoyed the experiences that I had on her. I never thought I'd stumble into being heir to a nation again, but I had a lot of fun rebuilding something that I had a hand in helping to found with @tilly over the summer and am grateful for the opportunity to play such a high profile character. As Winnie as a character was humble, so too will her notice of death be.

 

Huge shout outs to @Zaerie, @Urge, @AstriaS, and @Reckless Banzai Screamer for making this character enjoyable and giving her lots of bright moments. I really enjoyed all of our interactions so thanks for making her fun to play.

 

Anyway, the reason I'm PKing is purely because I'm about to enter one of my most important semesters of graduate school. This was a really hard thing for me to do, but anyone who's done it before knows that MCRP leadership at the higher levels (yes I still use the old acronym and will never stop) is all consuming. It's therefore necessary for my own good to step away. While I'll still be playing in minor roles on other characters on the server during my free time for a little while longer, LotC is only a game that I play for my own enjoyment at the end of the day, and I intend to treat it as such.

 

In any case, I hope that I was able to serve as a good example during my time playing this character. Remember to treat others like you'd want to be treated. I hope to see you guys around moving forward.

 

[Lechian Lord 1027]

"The River Flows On..."The young man would mourn upon hearing the news in the streets.